Patrols promised after youths seen playing football on pitches in Peterborough

The issue was raised online last week by Orton Waterville Ward Councillor Julie Howell after spotting a number of youths playing on the outside football pitches at Bushfield Leisure Centre, Orton Centre.

Large gatherings are still outlawed by current Covid restrictions, Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out the outline to easing these on Monday (February 22) but they are expected to remain in place in some form for a number of months.

Councillor Howell tweeted: “Please don’t play football at Bushfield.

“I keep having to send marshals over to disperse groups here. We’re still in lockdown.

“The virus is still here, taking lives. Until the situation improves, please heed the advice and don’t play team sports here.

“To save anyone the trouble of suggesting ‘lock it’ - if we do, they break in and cause damage. Fines may be the only way to get through to them.”

After being contacted about the issue, a Peterborough City Council spokesperson told the Peterborough Telegraph that they were aware of the problems on the site and as a result will be putting in joint patrols with Police.